4.2.13
On Saturday the police publicized photos and identity details of the four arrested, following an order by the Kozani Prosecutor. The photos, despite being evidently edited, show signs of abuse.
The Opposition party SYRIZA has demanded an immediate investigation regarding the apparent signs of abuse of four suspects arrested for a double armed robbery in Velvento in Kozani. SYRIZA refers to a recent “Guardian” report on torture of arrested protesters and allegations of police brutality in Kozani, suggesting a generalized phenomenon.
Government partner DIMAR also demanded explanations over the alleged abuse, while noting that “terrorism is the enemy of society and Democracy must repel it. Democracy does not seek vengeance”.
The Press Office of the Ministry of Public Order and Citizen Protection issued a response, disputing the allegations of torture, claiming that any evident injuries are a result of resisting arrest. The Ministry also notes that the arrested carried heavy weaponry and held a citizen hostage.
The Police Directorate of Western Macedonia also issued a response, claiming that only the necessary use of force was employed to neutralize the threat posed by the arrested.
